THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
The European Parliament has approved a sweeping overhaul of the EU’s return and deportation system, paving the way for the establishment of deportation centres in non-EU countries and granting member states broader powers to enforce removals.
The legislation was adopted on 17 June 2026 in Strasbourg by 418 votes to 218, with 30 abstentions, following a provisional agreement reached between the European Parliament and EU member states on 1 June 2026. The proposal was backed by the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), conservatives, and right-wing and far-right groups, including Germany’s AfD, while Socialists, Greens, the Left and several liberal lawmakers opposed it.
The vote was marked by dramatic scenes in the chamber. As the result was announced, some right-wing MEPs applauded and chanted “Send them back”, prompting opponents to respond with cries of “Shame on you”. The exchange underscored the deep divisions that migration policy continues to generate across Europe.
What the new rules mean
At the heart of the legislation are so-called “return hubs” — facilities located outside the European Union where people subject to deportation orders could be transferred if they cannot be returned directly to their countries of origin. These centres could serve either as final destinations or as transit points pending onward removal. Unaccompanied minors are excluded from the scheme, although families with children are not automatically exempt. The countries that might host such centres have not yet been identified.
The regulation also imposes new obligations on migrants who have received deportation orders. Individuals will be required to cooperate with the authorities during the deportation process or risk sanctions. Member states will be allowed to detain individuals for up to 24 months, and in certain circumstances for even longer. Authorities may also carry out home searches, confiscate documents and take other measures aimed at preventing absconding.
EU officials argue that the reforms are necessary because the current system is ineffective. According to EU data, only about one in four people ordered to leave the bloc actually return, undermining the credibility of migration policy.
A contentious political shift
The legislation has reignited debate over the direction of European migration policy and the growing influence of the political right.
Critics accuse mainstream conservatives of aligning with far-right parties to push through measures that they say weaken safeguards for asylum seekers and migrants. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Pro Asyl, have warned that offshore detention centres could become “human rights black holes” with insufficient legal oversight. UN human rights experts have also raised concerns about compliance with international law.
Supporters reject those criticisms. They argue that an asylum and migration system that cannot enforce its own decisions risks losing public confidence. Backers of the reform say the new rules will create a more credible and efficient return system while maintaining fundamental rights protections.
The legislation still requires formal approval by the Council of the European Union, representing the 27 member states, though this is widely viewed as a procedural step. Once published in the EU Official Journal, the regulation will enter into force immediately. Most provisions will become applicable after 12 months, while the legal framework for establishing return hubs can take effect upon the regulation’s entry into force.
Adira Kallo
